Putin goes ahead with Iran visit despite `assassination plot`

Despite reports of an alleged assassination plot against him, the Russian President is set to arrive in the Iranian capital of Tehran to take part in the summit of Caspian Sea states. It’s the first time in more than 60 years that a Russian leader has vis

The Iranian Foreign Ministry, however, denied these allegations saying that they were ungrounded. This is despite earlier reports by Iranian and local news agencies that three militant groups had united and trained a group of suicide bombers in order to assassinate Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Tehran. Strict security precautions have been implemented.

Meanwhile, the legal status of the Caspian Sea, which has caused tensions since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, will be discussed by the leaders of the Caspian countries.

Iran is insisting that each of the five nations that surround the sea should receive an equal portion of the seabed. Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, however, want it to be divided depending on the length of each nation's coastline, giving Iran a smaller share.

In addition, it is expected that Vladimir Putin will raise the controversial issue of Iran’s nuclear programme with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The EU is likely to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic in order to make it co-operate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UN Security Council. Russia has been against tougher measures, unless Iran refuses co-operate with the UN Security Council or definite proof is found that Iran is pursuing its nuclear programme in order to make weapons.